Wake-Up Song Rankings [2026]

peace signYonezu Kenshi11rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – Peace Sign

Released in 2017 as the seventh single, it was selected as the opening theme for the first cour of season 2 of the Yomiuri TV–affiliated anime My Hero Academia.

Aligned with the themes of My Hero Academia, the song is a poignant yet passionate track.

Because you’re my hero.LiSA12rank/position

LiSA “Because You’re My Hero.” -YouTube Edit ver.-

The ending theme song for the TV anime My Hero Academia.

It is the 12th single.

A fiercely exhilarating rock number.

Starting with a poppy intro, the energy builds toward the chorus.

It makes you feel ready to give your all today.

Good Morning, Polar Nightyukke13rank/position

[MV] Good Morning, Polar Night / Hatsune Miku – yukkedoluce

It’s a grand and beautiful Vocaloid song that sings about moving from night to morning—toward tomorrow, toward the future.

Created by the Vocaloid producer Yukke, also known for “Ringo Uri no Ukataka Shoujo,” it was released in 2014.

With a waltz-style band sound adorned by brilliant bell tones, it’s a remarkably transparent work.

Simply following each individual sound is moving in itself.

The lyrics are also captivating, as if they appeal to something deep within the heart.

It’s a wake-up song that fills you with the motivation to say, “All right, let’s start today!”

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Araki Jakkan

Report a problem

My Past Life, Many Lifetimes AgoRADWIMPS14rank/position

RADWIMPS – Zenzenzense (movie ver.) [Official Music Video]

This song is famous as the theme song for the 2016 blockbuster film Your Name.

Not only in the movie, but it was played daily across all kinds of media, including variety shows and news programs, so I think many people have heard it.

The lyrics have a great rhythm, and it’s the kind of song that wakes you up when you hum along.

Perfect-Sense DreamerONE OK ROCK15rank/position

ONE OK ROCK "The Totally Sensational Dreamer"

It kicks into the intro from a long drum fill-in, and by the 30-second mark your spirits are lifted.

The unison of instruments and vocals in the A section feels pleasant.

The vocalist’s shouts are satisfying to listen to.

In any case, it’s a good track to play when you want to wake yourself up.

ECHOCrusher-P16rank/position

【VOCALOID Original】ECHO【Gumi English】

This is a song I want to listen to when I want to get pumped up from the morning.

The melody line of the verse builds anticipation for the chorus and lifts my mood.

The heavy, powerful sound is irresistible.

Released in 2014 by Crusher-P, a Vocaloid producer living overseas.

Matryoshkahachi17rank/position

Hachi MV “Matryoshka” HACHI / MATRYOSHKA

Let’s pry open those droopy eyelids with a lively tune! This is one of the signature songs by Hachi, the Vocaloid producer who’s also hugely successful as singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu, released in 2010.

Thanks to its incredible addictiveness, it sparked a major movement online.

It’s packed with appeal—an unforgettable sound and melody, and lyrics with Hachi’s uniquely distinctive turns of phrase.

If you listen to it first thing in the morning when your brain can’t think yet, it should work like a jolt to wake you up.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Araki Jakkan

Report a problem

Sugar Song and Bitter StepUNISON SQUARE GARDEN18rank/position

UNISON SQUARE GARDEN “Sugar Song and Bitter Step” Short Ver.

Released in 2015 as the 10th single, it was written as the ending theme (from episode 2 onward) for the UHF anime “Blood Blockade Battlefront.” With its refreshing band sound and lively rhythm that pleasantly shakes off drowsiness, the song has continued to enjoy a long-running hit.

Telecaster StripePorukadotto Sutingurei19rank/position

Polkadot Stingray “Telecaster Stripe” MV

On sleepy mornings, many of you probably want to crank up some rock to get pumped up! For all of you, I recommend the song “Telecaster Stripe.” Kick off your morning with this cool rock number by a band that’s popular among college students.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Saitō Ayumu

Report a problem

Silent majorityKeyakizaka4620rank/position

Keyakizaka46 'Silent Majority'

This is the debut single by Keyakizaka46, released on April 6, 2016.

It reached No.

1 on numerous charts, including Oricon and RecoChoku, becoming a widely talked-about hit song.

The lyrics feel very realistic.

Although the performers are young women in their teens and twenties, their delivery carries a persuasiveness that transcends generations.